External DAC connection for Bluesound Node 2i (after "Another streaming newbie" thread)

You will get a lot of chatter about the 2i being a gateway streamer, which it is, but I have noticed that some of those espousing this have this streamer with its build problems.

We agree that it's a gateway streamer.  I think it's a great value and a good way to start if you're not sure that streaming is going to be for you.  It has good sound quality for what it is, but like many other things in our hobby, if you stop there, you may be missing a lot.

I'm not sure what your point is with the rest of your sentence, other than it seems to be a red herring.  I'm one of those that have that streamer.  My problems were due to trying to connect to it using a wireless connection, which seemed to work fine at first.  I made some changes to my network (including "better" CAT 8 cable, which was a complete waste of money) and upgraded the firmware on my streamer and started having issues.  I have run an ethernet connection to the unit and it's been rock solid ever since.  The folks that did have actual problems got good customer service and prompt replacement of their units.

I've had my share of issues with Bluesound - getting them to connect to my network, taking forever to index the shared files on my network, dropping out, etc.  I had some issues with my Node 2 about the same time I did with my NT-505, which is part of what led me to believe it was a network issue, and not a device issue.

When you're streaming there are a lot of moving pieces - your network, whatever device you're using to control it, and the device itself, not to mention the service you're connecting to.  They don't always all play nice together and not everyone on this forum is a network expert.

I run a Bluesound into a Benchmark 3 HGC. It sounds great. 

There are ways to upgrade the performance of the Node 2i. Swapping out the stock PC for a good aftermarket cable and using ethernet over wifi are significant upgrades. I also upgraded from CAT6 to a Supra CAT8 and discovered an audible increase in SQ.
https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/node-2i-performance-suggestions-pls-2

The Node with it's internal Dac sounds better with these upgrades, but I prefer using using an external Dac. There are so many good Dacs available today that I won't make a recommendation, but the sound thru my Dac is a night and day improvement over the stock Node 2i. I've found that a good S/PDIF coax cable can further increase SQ and enjoyment. I did a lot of cable rolling to find a digital coax that took streaming to a higher level. I'm using a High Fidelity CT-2 coax; it's expensive but I also use it with my CD transport.

@lowrider57  Come on, give us a recommendation. I have a Node2i and looking for an external DAC. 

If you want a neutral DAC that measures very well Topping D90 or Benchmark DAC3.  I've had both and I can't say which is better they both are very good the Topping has a MQA version of the D90 if that's  important to you.